Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.5

Eternals 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie Review

A first-rate 3D presentation for Chloé Zhao's epic Marvel production.

Eternals is the 26^th feature-film in the ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe. Produced by Kevin Feige (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame), Eternals is based on the Marvel comic book series by Jack Kirby. The Eternals were formed in 5000 BC and are superheroes with a unique gift for never aging. The Eternals are immortal aliens sent to Earth by Celestial Arishem to protect civilians.

The group of superheroes are given the task of defeating the villainous alien invaders known as the Deviants. The Eternals use their unique space-ship, the Domo, to set forth on their mission. Believing the Deviants to be defeated in 1521, the Eternals disbanded for many years and lived peaceful lives of solitude.

Yet the unexpected return of the Deviants brings new danger on planet Earth. Ten Eternals must now band together for justice: Sersi (Gemma Chan), Ikaris (Richard Madden), Thena (Angelina Jolie), Ajak (Salma Hayek), Kingo (Kumail Nanjiani), Sprite (Lia McHugh), Phastos (Brian Tyree Henry), Makkari (Lauren Ridloff), Druig (Barry Keoghan), and Gilgamesh (Ma Dong-seok). As the Eternals now fight for peace in the modern era, the journey of these superheroes has only just begun.

The performances are key to the wonderful filmmaking. The ensemble cast is one of the best casts assembled in the Marvel cinematic universe. Each of the cast members imbues their respective character with a unique personality and charm. The cast shines brightly throughout the film. A memorable performance is given by each cast member.

Even more magical in 3D.

The production design by Eve Stewart (The Danish Girl, The King's Speech) and Clint Wallace (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Top Gun: Maverick) is astonishing. Eternals is an outstanding visual experience. Much of the success of the visuals is due to the exceptional and mesmerizing production design efforts. The production crew used many natural locations for the filming and the production design reflects this element (with more real environments than many films in the Marvel cinematic universe).

The cinematography by Ben Davis (Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel) is visually rewarding. Davis has a special gift for cinematography. Eternals is easily one of the most beautiful films in the entire Marvel cinematic universe to date. The photography highlights the beauty of the filmmaking. There is so much wonder to showcase: the natural landscapes, the radiant skies, and the lush ocean. Davis is one of the most gifted cinematographers working in Hollywood today and this is a first-rate effort.

The score composed by Ramin Djawadi (Iron Man, Pacific Rim) is a perfect fit for the filmmaking. One of the best scores composed by Djawadi to date, Eternals has an epic theme that runs throughout the film. The score gives compelling character themes to the main cast and the music is full of energy throughout the intense action scenes. During the quiet moments of Eternals, the score highlights the beauty of the story.

Directed by Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider), Eternals is one of the best feature-films in the Marvel cinematic universe to date. Zhao was a perfect addition to the Marvel lore. Having won an Oscar for Best Director for Nomadland, Zhao is an exceptional filmmaker. As an artist, Zhao brings great beauty to the filmmaking and helps the storytelling to shine in a way most films in the Marvel cinematic universe do not: a sense of independence and wonder that is free from the world-building other Marvel films explore.

Eternals 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on 3D Blu-ray from Disney, Eternals is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 MVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1 widescreen. The release has a wonderful presentation. 3D fans will be enormously pleased with the quality of the release.

The 3D effect greatly enhances the entire viewing experience. The 3D adds a sense of depth to the entire presentation. The spectacle is elevated by the immersive detail in the 3D conversion. The showstopping action scenes are elevated to new heights as well.

Cinematographer Ben Davis highlights the natural beauty of the outdoors in many sequences and the 3D presentation manages to make audiences feel even closer to the action. The integration of the special effects in the action scenes is similarly potent. This is a stunning 3D conversion and the production benefits greatly from the efforts taken by the conversion team at Legend 3D.

Another element of the presentation which was appreciated is the consistent 2.39:1 aspect ratio. While many Marvel feature-films benefit from the IMAX-enhanced presentations, Eternals had so many scenes in the IMAX version with quick-cuts between 2.39:1 and the full-screen ratio that it was sometimes a little jarring compared to most IMAX enhanced versions – thereby making the 3D presentation superior.

Eternals 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Eternals is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround sound. The lossless audio is exceptional. Dialogue is crisp, clear, and easy to understand. The score composed by Ramin Djawadi has vibrant energy throughout the sound mix. The surrounds are actively engaged and the sound effects help to enhance the action scenes tenfold. The sound mixing is superb. Even without a Dolby Atmos mix provided on the 3D Blu-ray, Eternals sounds superb with its solid high-resolution audio track.

Eternals 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release includes a 4K UHD + 3D Blu-ray + 2D Blu-ray. The combo pack release includes all three options. The 3D Blu-ray disc does not include any of the supplemental features. The 3D release only contains the 3D presentation of Eternals so the film has a higher bit- rate video/audio presentation. For additional information regarding the Eternals supplemental package, please refer to the review of the standard edition.

Eternals 4K + 3D Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Eternals is one of the best Marvel films to date. The filmmaking is epic in scope and director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) brings her unique vision to the screen. Eternals benefits from having one of the most impressive ensemble casts in comic-book-film history. The 3D presentation is exceptional: a stunning showcase for the use of 3D in motion-pictures. 3D can enhance a viewing experience in numerous ways – enhancing the fight scenes and bringing audiences closer to the story. Eternals showcases the best of 3D conversions with a first-rate presentation. No 3D enthusiast should go without owning this fantastic release. Highly recommended.